Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao said that a "growing hunger" among youth to learn classical music, dance and instrumental music augurs well for the future of fine arts in the country.
Expressing the need for financial security to promising artistes, the Governor called for evolving a framework involving government, civil society and organisations in the field of music.
The Governor was speaking after presenting the Aditya Vikram Birla Kala Shikhar Award to legendary exponent of Kathak dance Pandit Birju Maharaj at a function in Mumbai on Saturday.
The Governor also presented the Aditya Vikram Birla Kala Kiran Award to two young classical dancers Prateeksha Kashi (Kuchipudi) and Rahul Acharya (Odissi) on the occasion.
The awards have been instituted by the Sangit Kala Kendra, headed by Director of Birla Group Rajashree Birla.
The Governor said that unlike popular perception, more young people today pursue classical music, dance and instrumental music seriously.
He said that even young Indians living abroad pursue these subjects with great passion and commitment.
He said pursuit of music and dance require years of practice to attain perfection.
Civil society, government and organisations like Sangit Kala Kendra should join hands to extend financial support to artistes and senior gurus, he said.
